7IM 


A  mericanization 

of  the  Finnish  People 

In  Houghton  Countp, 

Michigan 


AMERICANIZATION  OF  THE 
FINNISH  PEOPLE  IN 
HOUGHTON  COUNTY, 
MICHIGAN^ 


By 
CLEMENS  iNIEMI 


Published     by 

THIO     FINNISH     DAILY     PUBLISHING     CO.. 

Duluth,   Minnesota     1921 


r  _ 


CONTENTS 

Meaning  of  Americanization   7 h 

Causes  of  Immigration    9—  1 1 

Attitude  Toward  American  Life   12—  14 

Economic  Activities    15 23 

Religious  Activities 24 28 

Nationalist  Organizations 29 31 

Culture  -and  Educational  Agencies 32 35 

Participation  in  Politics 36 37 

Traditions     38—39 

Amalgamation    and   Assimilation    40 42 

Conclusion    43 


221 '51 73 


This  map   shows    the    distributive   aspect   of   occupations    in    different    tuwnsliips 


AMERICANIZATION  OF  THE  FINNISH 
PEOPLE  IN  HOUGHTON  COUNTY, 
MICHIGAN. 


MEANING  OF  AMERICANIZATION. 

An  ever  increasing  inflow  of  various  nationalities  has  made  us  face 
the  problem  of  Americanization.  Attempts  bave  been  made  to  get  into  the 
vitals  of  the  problem,  and  each  social  dilettante  also  coping  with  the 
situation  has  attempted  to  define  Americanism  according  to  his  geographic 
■area  or  social  milieu.  Moreover,  many  of  American  birth  and  ancestry  per- 
mit themselves  to  be  egoistic,  intolerant,  domineering  and  autocratic  in 
their  conception  of  Americanism,  indifferent  to  those  treasures  of  heritage 
which  the  foreign  born  continually  bring  to  our  shores  in  rich  abundance.^ 
They  often  assume  that  "different"  means  "inferior",  and  they  -are  too  apt 
to  put  on  a  cloak  of  superiority  and  to  erect  a  barrier  of  contempt  and  in- 
tolerance.^ 

Without  -attempting  to  formulate  an  inclusive  definition  for  the  process 
of  Americanization,  it  may  be  briefly  stated  to  include  a  participation  in 
all  aspects  of  American  life.  This  common  sharing  is  possible  and  becomes 
real  only  when  the  spirit  of  democracy  stands  at  the  bottom  of  all  our 
endeavors.  The  interpretation  of  the  process  is  so  wide  in  its  scope,  so  far 
reaching  tbat  it  embraces  not  only  the  preservation  of  the  long  cherished 
American  principles,  but  also  the  acquisition  of  the  best  ideals  and  contribu- 
tions brought  from  other  countries.  Industrially,  then,  Americanization  would 
mean  the  maintenance  of  normal  working  conditions  and  impartial  treat- 
ment of  the  newcomer  so  that  he  may  have  the  opportunity  to  develop 
himself  into  a  productive  member  of  the  society;  economically,  a  just 
reward  for  his  labor  to  make  -a  decent  living  thus  enabling  him  to  modify 
his  ways  according  to  the  American  standards;  socially,  neighborliness  as 
expressed  in  tolerant  interchange  of  ideals  and  the  establishment  of 
reciprocal  confidence  between  the  newcomer  and  the  native  born;  politi- 
cally, the  exercising  of  his  rights  as  a  citizen  irrespective  of  birth,  color, 
or  creed.  Americanization  as  conceived  in  this  broad  sense  is  principally 
a  sponte  sua  process,   although   its  various  mechanisms  such   as   the   public 


1.  W.    Talbot,    Americanization,    p.    58. 

2.  Scientific    American    118:562,    June,    1918. 


Americanization  Of  The  Finnish  People 

school,  the  library,  the  industrial  plants  and  others  as  long  as  they  make 
the  acquisition  of  new  customs  painless  for  the  newcomer,  may  greatly 
facilitate  it.  Americanization,  furthermore,  lays  more  emphasis  on  the 
future  rather  than  on  the  past;  it  is  "perpetual  becoming"  always  striving 
toward  the  goal  of  higher  perfection.  "As  Americans  if  we  could  but 
grasp  the  elementary  fact  th?t  Americanism  is  always  partial  and  incom- 
plete, an  ideal  to  be  sought  but  never  fully  to  be  attained  because  always 
in  its  perfection  just  beyond  our  re-ach,  how  much  better  Americans  might 
we  ourselves  become,  and  how  far  more  potent  missioners  of  the  gospel  of 
Americanism  would  we  be.  If  our  newcomers,  too,  could  but  realize  that 
Americanism  ever  is  to  be,  and  that  they  are  helping  in  its  making,  their 
enthusiasm  would  be  strengthened,  not  shattered,  and  their  power  to  con- 
tribute extended. "1 

The  acceptance  of  one  language  as  an  instrument  of  speech  and  un- 
divided loyalty  to  America  are  indispensable  for  the  newcomer  in  the  process 
of  adaptation.  But  these  are  means,  not  ends  in  Americanization.  Only 
when  he  participates  in  spirit  as  well  as  in  deed  and  activities  of  the  land 
of  his  adoption  he  is  Americanized. 

This  study  endeavors  in  a  popular  fashion  to  give  a  partial  analysis  of 
the  native  institutions  of  the  Finnish  people  and  other  forces  as  well  as  the 
mechanisms  in  the  assimilation  process  by  which  the  newcomer  is  trying 
to  react  or  readjust  himself  to  the  new  conditions. 


1.      W.    Talbot,    Americanization,    p.    2. 


In  Houghton  County,  Michigan 


II. 

CAUSES  OF  IMMIGRATION. 

Historical  records  show  that  as  nearly  as  seventeenth  century  (about 
1627)  the  first  Finnish  settlers  together  with  the  Scandinavian  expedition 
landed  on  the  American  shore  and  planted  a  colony  on  the  Delaware  River, 
a  short  distance  west  of  the  City  of  Philadelphia.  These  early  settlers  were 
completely  assimilated  with  the  American  people.  Later  on  many  sailors 
and  adventurers  came  to  this  side  and  took  their  places  of  sojourn  in  cities 
known  as  centers  of  navigation  or  either  they  retired  to  live  in  the  country. 
Quite  a  few  newcomers  were  induced  to  migrate  here  by  the  gold  rush  of 
1849  in  California.  But  all  of  these  were  mere  occasional  -adventurers 
and  in  the  true  sense  of  the  word  we  cannot  regard  them  to  be  real  immi- 
grants. 

It  was  not  until  about  1861  that  we  might  say  the  actual  immigration 
from  Finland  to  have  begun.  At  this  time,  according  to  the  old  settlers, 
a  group  of  Finns  from  Sweden  and  Norway  where  they  bad  been  engaged 
in  mining  and  fishing,  arrived  at  Houghton  County.  These  pathfinders 
came  from  northern  Finland  originally  and  they  were  followed  by  their 
friends  and  relatives. 

The  subsequent  years  have  witnessed  a  steady  influx  of  the  Finnish 
immigration  from  northern  Finland.  The  reasons  were  many  and  varied. 
In  the  first  place,  agriculture  in  northern  Finland  was  constantly  impeded  by 
the  destruction  of  crops  by  frequent  frosts.  One  cold  night  often  played  an 
•appalling  havoc  on  the  soil  tiller;  all  his  work,  his  year's  toiling  was  in 
vain.  But  in  many  cases,  in  spite  of  his  struggle  against  harsh  forces  of 
nature,  he  did  not  fall  into  despair.  He,  like  the  peasant  Paavo  of 
Saarijarvi,  ploughed  his  land,  sowed  it.  And  when  the  springtime  came, 
the  melting  snowdrifts  drenched  the  fields  ruining  half  of  the  young  crop. 
Summer  came  and  descending  hailstorms  dashed  the  early  ears  down,  half 
destroying  them.  Autumn  came  and  the  frost  blasted  the  remnants  of  the 
crop.     Now  Paavo's  wife  tore  her  hair  and  spoke: 

"Paavo,  Paavo!  man,  the  most  unhappy, 
Take  thy  staff;  by  God  we  are  forsaken; 
Hard   it  is  to  beg;   to  starve  is  harder!" 
Paavo  took  her  by  hand,  and  thus  he  answered: 
"God  doth  try  his  servant,  not  forsake  him. 
Bread  made  half  of  bark  must  suffice  us! 


10  Americanization  Of  The  Finnish  People 

I  will  dig  the  dikes  of  twofold  deepness, 
But  from  God  will  I  await  the  increase!" 

These  pathetic  lines  suffice  to  give  us  a  clear  picture  of  the  conditions  of  the 
peasant.  His  faith  was  not  undermined  by  the  harshness  of  nature,  nor  his 
hopes  were  shattered  by  misfortunes.  And  finally,  when  he  miraculously 
won  a  victory  over  nature  he  went  on  expressing  his  tribute  of  gratitude: 

"God  hath  only  tried  us,  not  forsaken!" 

On  her  knees  his  wife  fell,  -and  thus  said  she: 

"God  hath  only  tried  us,  not  forsaken!" 

And  then  gladly  spake  she  to  her  husband; 

"Paavo,  Paavo,  take  with  joy  the  sickle; 

We  may  now  make  glad  our  hearts  with  plenty. 

Now  may  throw  tiway  the  bark  unsavory, 

And  bake  rich,  sweet  bread  of  ryemeal  only!" 

Paavo  took  her  hand  in  his  and  answered: 

"Woman,  woman!  It  is  but  sent  to  try  us, 

If  we  will  have  pity  on  the  sufferer. 

Mix  thou  bark  with  corn  even  as  aforetime. 

Frosts  have  killed  the  harvest  of  our  neighbors!" 

He  was  satisfied  with  the  little  he  had.  He  toiled  without  getting  sufficient 
rewards  for  his  labor.  As  farming  was  the  principal  means  of  sustenance 
and  as  one  bad  year  followed  another  economic  distress  increased  accord- 
ingly. No  wonder  that  this  industrious  soil  tiller  whom  severe  nature  had 
made  vigorous,  had  given  endurance,  was  now  anxious  to  leave  his  native 
country,  to  try  his  luck  here.  Moreover,  economic  betterment  in  America  was 
said  to  be  easier.     It  was  this  country  that  was  his  1-ast  hope. 

But  there  was  still  another  reason  for  immigration  just  as  weighty  as 
the  preceding  one.  In  1809  Finland  came  under  the  domination  of  Russian 
government.  Historically,  Finland  was  a  separate  nation  with  definite  bound- 
aries, its  laws,  its  monetary  and  school  system.  At  the  time  of  annexation 
Alexander  I  solemnly  promised  to  preserve  Finnish  constitution,  laws  and 
institutions.  Despite  these  facts  Russian  reactionaries  who  with  jealousy 
watched  the  progress  of  Finl-and,  started  an  argument  on  the  ground  that 
Finland  was  a  Russian  province  and  not  an  independent  nation,  and  that 
Finland  had  no  right  to  its  autonomy  and  independent  existence.  Finland  was 
to  be  Russified  at  any  cost,  so  the  Russian  autocrats  asserted.  The  constitu- 
tion of  Finland  was  now,  in  their  opinions,  a  mere  scrap  of  paper,  its  insti- 
tutions were  to  be  infused  with  Slavic  culture,  democracy  was  to  be  replaced 
by  tyranny  under  the  surveillance  of  Russian  gendarmes.  Innocent  citizens 
who  ventured  to  voice  their  opinions  against  Russian  encroachment  upon  their 
personal    rights    and    those    of    their   country,    were    thrown    into    prisons    or 


In  Houghton  County,  Michigan  1 1 

exiled.  Thus  a  ceaseless  fight  for  freedom  was  waged  between  the  two 
countries,  on  one  side  a  small  progressive  nation  with  western  culture  and  in- 
stitutions, on  the  other  side  a  huge  mass  of  people  reared  in  ignorance  and 
superstition  under  the  iron  sceptre  of  the  Czar.  This  incessant  struggle 
developed  national  consciousness  in  Finland;  it  furnished  new  inspiration  for 
cultural  attainments  and  national  progress.  There  were  many  who  with 
fortitude  faced  Russian  oppression,  who  despite  the  frequent  frosts,  bitter 
memories  of  devastations  by  war  and  appalling  plagues,  were  ready  to  offer 
their  lives  for  their  n^ative  country.  Finally  the  political  pressure  became 
more  and  more  intolerable  and  many  patriotic  citizens  were  now  reluctantly 
inclined  to  believe  that  Russia  would  gradually  absorb  their  country;  they 
were  compelled  to  seek  place  of  refuge  elsewhere.  Many  were  exiled  to 
Siberia,  more  fled  to  Scandin-avia  and  other  countries,  but  most  numerous  was 
that  group  of  "pilgrim?"  who  r^Mgrated  to  America,  "he  Land  of  the  Free." 
On  their  arrival  at  ll  is  side  of  the  Atlan*^i:  many  of  them  naturally  were 
attracted  to  the  northwestern  states.  The  climate  and  seasonal  changes 
here  showed  much  similarity  with  those  of  Finland.  Also  in  this  section  of 
the  country  there  was  very  little  difference  in  the  sort  of  vegetation  and  in  the 
nature  of  the  soil.  Thus,  in  a  brief  resume  it  may  be  stated  that  the  desire 
for  new  experience,  but  above  all,  the  economic  and  political  pressure  were 
the  principal  causes  why  the  Finnish  immigration  was  directed  to  America, 
and  especially  to  the  northwestern  states  on  account  of  their  geographic  posi- 
tijii 


12  Americanization  Of  The  Finnish  People 


III. 

ATTITUDE  TOWARD  AMERICAN   LIFE. 

We  all  have  tendency  to  idealize  impressive  personalities  who  have 
either  written  books  or  composed  music  or  other  persons  of  fame  who  by 
their  works  have  approached  the  innermost  labyrinths  of  our  nature.  This 
analogy  holds  true  of  the  immigrant  also.  He  has  idealized  America,  its 
great  men  before  entering  this  side  of  the  Atlantic.  He  has  heard  many  sto- 
ries about  America,  has  pictured  it  to  be  a  land  of  democracy,  of  freedom,  of 
equality  with  no  class  distinction.  No  one  would  inquire  here  about  his 
ancestry;  his  integrity,  his  character  would  only  decide  his  future  career. 
He,  also,  has  imagined  how  easily  he  could  make  his  living  here,  even  a 
'fortune"  like  so  many  of  his  friends  he  knew.  But  what  did  he  find  here 
upon  his  arrival?  Stern  reality  faced  him;  he  found  himself  in  a  new  en- 
vironment, in  a  new  social  milieu.  He  wondered,  he  stared  at  the  magnifi- 
cent skyscrapers,  at  the  restless,  furiously  moving  throngs  that  changed  streets 
5ind  avenues  of  American  cosmopolitan  cities  into  throbbing  arteries. 

And  when  he  traveled  farther  inland  to  meet  his  friends  or  relatives  he 
arrived  at  a  tiny  mining  village  or  town  in  which  the  shrieking  whistles 
blew  their  tragic  welcome.  Now  he  had  a  general  view  of  America  he  h-ad  so 
many  times  dreamed  of. 

After  he  had  worked  a  few  days  he  was  ready  to  express  his  first  im- 
pressions about  America.  "I  had  imagined  America  to  be  a  beautiful  country 
where  aesthetic  qualities  are  on  a  par  with  money,"  said  a  woman  who  had 
come  here  about  twelve  years  ago.  "At  once  on  my  arrival  I  was  bitterly 
disappointed  when  I  reached  this  mining  town.  The  companies  had  heaped 
recklessly  mountain-like  rock  piles  in  the  neighborhood  of  residence  sections. 
In  addition,  one  could  see  miserable  looking  miners'  huts  scattered  all  along 
the  muddy  alleys  and  roads.  As  I  contrasted  conditions  here  with  those  in 
my  native  country  I  began  to  cry.  I  wept,  I  felt  lonesome  for  days,  weeks 
and  months  before  I  got  used  to  the  new  surroundings.  I  would  have  gone 
back  to  Finland  had  1  had  money  enough  to  buy  my  transportation  ticket. 
But  now  it  is  different.  1  am  used  to  all  this.  I  have  raised  my  children 
here  and   for  their  sake  1  will  stay   in  America  .     ."     This  woman  had 

received  a  fairly  good  education  in  the  old  country. 

Another  woman  who  had  gone  through  many  hardships  in  Finland,  said: 
"1  came  to  stay  with  my  daughter,  but  found  everything  disagreeable.  The 
language,  customs,  food,  in  fact  all  seemed  to  be  so  strange  that  I  thought 


In  Houghton  County,  Michigan  13 

to  myself  I  would  never  remain  here.  I  had  missed  my  friends  and  rela- 
tives. I  felt  lonesome  and  would  often  burst  into  tears.  I  begged  that  I 
might  go  back  to  my  home  country,  but  all  my  imploring  was  in  vain.  Fin- 
ally when  nobody  seemed  to  pay  any  attention  to  my  crying  I  had  to  stop 
it  myself.  I  have  stayed  with  my  daughter  and  now  I  feel  perfectly  at  home. 
I  am  so  glad  after  all  that  I  came  here.  We  have  plenty  of  wholesome 
food  and  everything  we  need." 

A  man  engaging  in  mining  added:  "I,  as  so  many  immigrants,  had 
somewhat  lonesome  days  on  my  arrival  here.  It  was  my  inability  to  talk 
the  English  language  that  caused  all  the  trouble.  1  thought  1  would  not 
stay  here  very  long,  that  as  soon  as  I  had  earned  enough  money  I  would 
leave  this  country.  I  often  remembered  my  friends  with  whom  1  had  grown 
up.  It  seemed  to  be  impossible  to  live  here  among  strange  people,  to 
starve  from  the  lack  of  congenial  companionship.  But  as  I  had  made  nice 
savings  and  was  about  to  depart  I  stopped  to  think  a  w'hile.  I  asked  myself 
why  I  should  leave  so  soon?  I  had  learned  a  few  words,  had  learned  to 
eat  American  dishes,  to  dress  like  Americans.  In  the  true  sense  of  the 
word  America  and  I  were  now  more  intimate  friends.  I  decided  to  remain 
here  one  more  year.  I  did  so  and  after  that  period  I  paid  a  visit  to  Finland, 
but  found  condition  there  so  different  that  I  could  no  longer  tolerate  their 
existing  social  order  and  that  sharp  class  distinction.  1  soon  left  back  for 
America."  A  successful  business  man  continued:  "I  came  here  to  stay. 
First  when  I  came  here  I  worked  in  a  mine.  Then  I  started  my  business 
career  and  I  am  satisfied.     No  old  country  for  me!" 

All  the  interviews  I  had  with  these  early  settlers  reflected,  with  a  few 
exceptions,  the  same  idea:  America,  because  of  its  strange  language,  cus- 
toms, first  made  somewhat  disappointing  impression  on  me,  and  to  stay 
here  longer  seemed  almost  impossible. 

But  within  a  year  or  so  his  attitude  toward  American  life  became 
greatly  modified.  He  learned  to  stammer  a  few  broken  words  or  phrases 
of  the  language  and  now  the  biggest  of  all  the  obstacles  to  cordial  friend- 
ship between  him  and  America  was  about  to  crumble  down.  The  writer  was 
told  many  times  that  one's  inability  to  converse  in  the  English  language 
caused  more  hardships  to  the  immigrant  than  any  other  factor.  He,  also, 
was  economically  better  off  here.  Dishes  which  were  regarded  as  luxuries 
in  the  old  country  were  here  every  day  necessities.  He  had  liberal  spend- 
mg  money  in  his  pocket.  He  became  acquainted  with  the  American  ways  of 
doing  things.  He  occasionally  visited  libraries,  schools  and  other  institu- 
tions, participated  in  the  Fourth  of  July  parade,  watched  how  Americans 
celebrated  their  national  holidays  in  public  parks  and  there  he  bought  an 
ice  cream  cone  or  pop,  or  he  attended  the  movies.  All  these  created  in  him 
a  desire  to  be  like  Americans.  Gradually  new  traditions,  new  customs 
displaced  the  old  ones  and  a  peculiar  dualism — a  combination  of  the  old  and 


14  Americanization  Of  The  Finnish  People 

new  ideals,  recollections,  convictions,  experiences  and  sentiments  filled  his 
mind.  Those  values  which,  because  of  their  intrinsic  qualities,  were  of  im- 
mediate benefit  to  him  in  his  new  environment,  gained  dominance  over  the 
old  values.  Now  he  began  to  see  America  in  a  different  light.  "How 
proud  I  feel  to  be  a  naturalized  American  citizen!"  exclaimed  a  young  man 
who  had  come  here  under  the  age  of  nineteen  and  who  was  attending  uni- 
versity. "When  I  arrived  in  America  I  thought  I  had  done  very  foolishly 
to  leave  my  native  country  whose  blue  lakes  and  rippling  silvery  creeks  I 
loved  so  much.  When  I  came  to  this  side  of  the  Atlantic  I  hoped  so  hearti- 
ly that  immigration  authorities  would  turn  me  back  to  my  native  country.  1 
realized  what  a  mistake  I  had  made.  My  inability  to  talk  the  English 
language  made  me  sensitive.  I  looked  to  the  American  institutions  with 
prejudice  so  long  as  I  was  ignorant  about  them  and  the  whole  American 
life  loomed  before  my  eyes  as  one  unsolvable,  obscure  puzzle.  But  as  I 
learned  the  language,  learned  to  read  American  newspapers,  became  ac- 
quainted with  American  schools  and  other  institutions,  my  attitude  was 
changed.  My  sensitiveness  disappeared,  memories  of  my  old  country  gradu- 
ally vanished  from  my  mind.  My  thoughts  were  more  centered  in  this 
country  and  on  my  personal  affairs  as  to  how  I  could  adapt  myself  the 
quickest  possible  way  to  the  new  environment.  I  vv'as  ready  to  draw  my 
conclusions  on  public  questions  discussed  in  newspapers.  Now  I  felt  I  was 
a  part  of  this  great  democratic  nation  which  I  had  so  many  times  idealized. 
I  felt  I  was  unconsciously  converted  into  Americanism  through  various  steps. 

"And  when  I  visited  art  museums,  city  libraries,  state  capitols,  univer- 
sities, or  when  I  attended  patriotic  meetings  where  "America"  or  "The 
Star  Spangled  Banner"  were  sung  or  played,  I  felt  that  unexplainable,  lofty 
spirit  of  patriotism  seize  me.  American  traditions  and  history  became  clari- 
fied and  I  could  distinctly  picture  before  my  eyes  those  brave  forefathers 
of  this  country  who  stood  for  inalienable  rights  of  mankind,  who  fought 
and  fell  bravely  for  the  principles  of  humanity.  Now  America  is  all  to  me. 
Only  like  a.  flash  of  lightning  old  memories  of  the  native  country  at  times 
penetrate  my  mind,  but  they  are  ephemeral.  The  traditions  of  the  old  coun- 
Ty  are  of  secondary  importance  to  me     .     .     .     ." 

These  excerpts  from  the  life  histories  of  those  interviewed  indicate 
clearly  what  the  newcomer's  attitude  toward  American  life  was  and  how  this 
•attitude  was  gradually  changed.  What,  then,  were  the  Americanizing  forces 
that  initiated  this  change?  They  were  economic  betterment  that  found 
immediate  response  in  the  attitude  of  the  immigrant,  the  limited  knowledge 
of  the  language — a  few  broken  words  or  phrases  enabled  him  to  participate 
in  American  life,  'and  finally  accidental  or  occasional  contact  with  American 
institutions.  These  forces  accelerated  Americanization  process  uncon- 
sciously. 


In  Houghton  County,  Michigan 


15 


IV. 


ECONOMIC  ACTIVITIES. 

The  former  occupation  of  the  newcomer  induces  later  ones  to  engage 
in  the  same  industry.  Nationalist  organizations  also  seem  to  act  as  aggre- 
gating forces  in  the  adoption  of  a  new  form  of  work.  The  nature  of  these 
institutions  in  turn  tends  to  select  newcomers  into  certain  economic  grours 
according  to  their  "likemindedness."  Thus  those  holding  religious  views  tend 
to  assemble  in  localities  where  they  can  participate  in  religious  activities, 
irrespective  as  to  whether  the  main  occupation  is  mining,  agriculture  or 
trade.  In  the  same  way  those  holding  materialistic  view  of  life  or  the  so- 
called  socialists  tend  to  become  segregated  in  communities  of  a  dominant 
economic  type. 

When  the  first  Finnish  settler  came  to  Houghton  county  mining  was 
the  only  occupation  open  to  him.  The  land,  then,  was  densely  wooded  and 
unavailable  for  agriculture.  To  earn  his  livelihood  he  was  forced  to  en- 
gage in  mining  industry.  He  w-as  physically  qualified  for  the  work.  On 
account  of  his  thrifty  habits,  of  his  endurance,  he  was  liked  by  the  employer. 


Fig.     1 — A    typical    mining-    location,    Calunut,    Micliigan. 


16  Americanization  Of  The  Finnish  People 

As  soon  as  he  entered  his  service  he  was  under  the  tutelage  of  the  com- 
pany. His  very  existence  depended  upon  it.  The  company  furnished  him  a 
dwelling  which  was  a  different  sort  of  house  from  that  he  used  to  live  in, 
(Fig.  1).  Its  furnitures,  heating  apparatus,  windows,  doors  were  different. 
He  attempted  to  apply  old  ways  of  living  to  his  new  environment,  but  before 
long  he  discovered  them  to  be  impracticable.  Now  the  question  of  adapta- 
tion faced  him  seriously  for  the  first  time  and  in  order  to  live  with  comfort 
he  partly  modified  his  ways  of  living  according  to  the  American  st-andards. 
And  when  he  started  to  work  he  clothed  himself  in  a  heavy  miner's  at- 
tire, put  on  heavy,  durable  hobnail  or  rubber  boots  and  his  oil  hat  on  which 
was  -attached  a  tiny,  twinkling  lamp.  Now  he  descended  in  a  skip  down  the 
murky  shaft  thousands  of  feet  into  the  dismal  bowels  of  the  earth,  (Fig.  2 
and  3).     The  moist,  raw  air  whistled  in  his  ears,  thrilling  his  whole  body  as 


Via.  2 — Flaiicock  coiiner  mine,  Tlaiicock,  Michisa  li- 
the skip  went  down.  It  was  here  that  he  was  truly  baptized  into  "real 
Americanism."  Here  he  was  thrown  into  a  group  of  heterogeneous  co- 
workers. Here  he  faced  the  same  experiences,  same  dangers,  same  rules 
and  regulations  with  his  fellow  workers.  He  learned  to  appreciate  their  co- 
operation. And  while  he  was  engaged  in  the  team  work  national  barriers, 
even  race  prejudice  gradually  disappeared  from  his  mind.  He  took  a  broader 
attitude  toward  life  and  he  desired  to  think  -and  to  act  like  the  rest  of  the 
group.  Thus  the  change  of  environment,  working  conditions,  dress  tended 
to  destroy  his  old  habits  and  customs. 

These  Americanizing  forces  were  only  partial.  There  were  others  just 
as  important.  When  he  noticed  the  rapid  development  of  American  mining 
industry,  skillful  application  of  latest  machinery  and  implements  such  as  the 
compressed  air  drill,  or  the  trammer's  car  with  i*s  automatic  devices,  all   of 


In  Houghton  County,  Michigan 


17 


these  aroused  his  'admiration,  one  by  one,  cut  the  ties  that  attached  him  to 
his  native  country,  -accelerated  his  Americanization.  He  found  out  that  there 
was  a  great  gap  between  the  industrial  development  of  his  native  country 
and  that  of  America.  He  even  went  so  far  as  not  to  grant  due  credit  to  his 
home  country  for  what  it  deserved. 

The  magnitude  of  the  industrial  development,  then,  partly  impressed 
him  to  modify  his  habits  and  ways  of  thinking.  He,  also,  learned  the  every 
day  "miner's  language"  pronouncing,  declining  and  conjugating  American 
words  like  those  of  his  own  language.  Thus  the  word  mine,  for  instance, 
became  "maini";  boss,  "paasi";  trammer,  "trammari";  skip,  "skippa";  car, 
"kaara";  dinner,  "dinneri";  store,  "stoori",  etc.  Later  on  as  his  ear  learned 
to  catch  the  right  pronunciation  his  language  became  more  fluent.     At  any 


Fig.    3 — Underground   electric    tram    in    one    of    the    copper    mines. 


rate  he  was  glad  that  he  was  able  to  express  his  thoughts  to  his  boss  or  to  his 
fellow  workers. 

However  primitive  these  Americanizing  forces  they  have,  nevertheless, 
modified  his  ideals,  his  ways  of  thinking,  his  modus  vivendi.  To  tell  the 
truth  we  must  admit  that  mining  districts,  in  general,  have  not  been  ideal 
places  for  the  training  of  the  immigrant  for  good  citizenship.  In  many  min- 
ing vill-ages  vulgarity  and  ignorance  prevailed  everywhere.  The  employer 
took  the  laissez-faire  policy  toward  the  newcomer  and  the  latter  often  became 
a  mere  catspaw  of  his  shrewd  exploiter  in  attaining  his  ends. 

Whatever  the  working  conditions  or  how  limited  the  contact  with  real 
American  life,     one  can  candidly  infer  that  the  Finn  has  been  among  those 


18  Americanization  Of  The  Finnish  People 

in  the  first  rank  to  adapt  himself  to  the  new  environment.  This  is  wit- 
nessed by  the  fact  that  he  has  acquired  a  fairly  understandable  command  of 
the  English  language  and  in  dress  and  manners  he  is  as  American  as  one 
would  expect  him  under  such  circumstances.  Many  even  have  preferred  to 
work  for  long  periods  underground  as  shown  by  the  figures  of  the  Calumet 
and  Hecla  Mining  Company  which,  in  its  Semi-Centennial  Celebration  held 
July  15,  1916,  presented  medals  to  those  employees  who  had  been  con- 
nected with  the  company  from  periods  ranging  from  fifty  years  down  to 
twenty  years.  Among  the  old  employees  the  writer  was  able  to  detect  the 
following  Finns :^  those  who  had  been  in  service  of  the  company  over 
forty  years  received  Gold  Medal,  five;  the  recipients  of  Silver  Medal  in 
service  between  thirty  and  forty  years,  sixteen;  the  recipients  of  Bronze 
Medal  in  service  of  the  company  between  twenty  and  thirty  years,  forty-two. 
These  veterans,  if  one  takes  the  trouble  of  conversing  with  them,  appear  to 
be  so  thoroughly  attached  to  this  country,  at  least  in  spirit,  that  poor  Finland 
does  not  seem  to  possess  -anything  worth  while. 

The  preceding  figures,  nevertheless,  should  not  impress  us  with  the 
idea  that  the  Finn  is  a  miner  and  that  mining  is  his  favorite  work.  As  al- 
ready implied  he  worked  in  a  mine  because  he  was  compelled  to  earn  his 
livelihood  that  way.  He  is  the  lover  of  land  by  nature  and  mining  was  an 
miermediary  step  in  attaining  his  goal.  As  soon  as  he  saved  enough  money 
to  purchase  a  piece  of  land  he  left  mining  -and  his  former  occupation  became 
his  temporary  means  of  sustenance  in  case  of  emergency.  Or  if  he  did 
not  go  back  into  the  mine,  as  he  ran  short  of  money,  he  worked  as  a  com- 
mon laborer,  or  else  went  into  the  woods  to  work  as  a  "lumberjack."  Since 
he  was  extremely  individualistic  he  wanted  to  be  his  own  boss. 

While  in  the  employment  of  the  company  he  cultivated  a  piece  of  land 
belonging  to  the  company.  He  paid  little  or  no  rent  for  it.  Then  home- 
stead lands  were  available  and  finally  extensive  holdings  of  various  com- 
panies, -as  soon  as  virgin  timber  was  removed,  were  opened  for  the  settlers. 
Why  did  the  Finn  buy  these  lands?  To  answer  briefly — because  the  soil 
was  boulder-strewn  and  he  was  adapted  to  cultivate  this  sort  of  land  under 
various  handicaps.  To  remove  the  stumps,  the  underbrush,  and  boulders 
left  behind  after  the  timber  was  cut  down,  required  enormous  efforts  and 
great  perseverance.  The  Finn  came  to  stay  here  and  he  made  up  his  mind 
to  make  a  farm  for  himself  at  any  cost.  Although  he  knew  it  would  take 
years  before  he  could  get  any  rewards  for  his  labor,  but  he  was  willing  to 
wait,  for  he  did  not  wish  to  spoil  his  work  in  a  cursory  manner. 

One  homesteader  who  came  here  at  the  age  of  fifteen  and  who  had 
been  in  this  country  over  thirty  years  told  about  his  experiences:  "My 
father   had    filed    an    application    for    a    homestead    in    the    neighborhood    of 


1.      Semi-Centennial    Issue    of    the    Calumet    and    Hecla     Mining    Company.    July    \t>, 
1910.      The    figure.s   may    Vie    incomplete. 


In  Houghton  County,  Michigan  19 

Otter  Lake.  As  the  soil  was  fertile  he  urged  me  to  put  in  my  application 
also.  I  did  so  and  it  was  accepted.  The  times  were  different  then  from 
what  they  are  now.  There  was  no  road  to  the  homestead.  The  nearest  road 
was  about  three  miles  from  my  land.  I  carried  or  dragged  all  our  food  stuffs 
and  whatever  we  needed.  For  my  first  trip  I  took  enough  food  supplies 
to  last  for  a  year  so  that  I  might  go  on  with  my  work  without  interruption. 
We  laid  our  belongings,  all  we  had  under  a  fir  tree  until  I  built  a  modest 
shack.  Here  we  cleared  the  forest,  we  went  through  many  ordeals.  My  in- 
cessant toilings  were  finally  rewarded.  The  dense  forest  gave  way  to  civili- 
zation and  beautiful  farm  arose  in   place  of  wilderness." 

Among  the  first  buildings  is  a  log  cabin  or  a  simple  frame  dwelling  with 
one  or  two  rooms.  There  is  also  the  bathhouse  which  is  just  as  valuable  to 
the  Finn  as  a  hospital  is  to  the  sick.  There  are  also  a  cow  stable,  a  hay 
barn,  a  wood  shed,  a  cellar  dug  in  the  ground.  All  these  buildings  except 
the  bathhouse  and  the  cellar  are  more  or  less  constructed  after  the  Ameri- 
can pattern.  Later  on  as  he  gains  economic  independence  these  old  build 
ings  are  either  remodeled  or  reconstructed   after  the   latest  American   style. 

During  the  last  ten  years  the  number  of  Finnish  farmers  has  increased 
rapidly  and  agriculture  has  become  yearly  a  more  important  and  prominent 
industry.  "About  80  per  cent  of  the  farmers  in  the  county  are  Finns  and 
the  rest  or  20  per  cent  of  whom  15  per  cent  are  French,  is  becoming 
swiftly  absorbed  by  the  Finn.  I  can  confidently  say  that  within  ten  years 
period  90  per  cent  of  the  farmers  will  be  Finns.  Reasons  for  my  predic- 
tion -are:  the  Finn  is  used  to  work,  he  is  not  afraid  to  tackle  the  hardest 
kind  of  work.  The  native  bom  farmer  seeks  easier  and  more  favorable 
farming  conditions.  The  Frenchman  stays  on  his  farm  only  so  long  as 
there  is  timber  land,  the  Dutch  and  the  Belgian  are  not  used  to  such  a 
trying  land  clearing  and  handicaps.  The  Finn  is  the  only  hope.  Besides 
Finnish  boys  and  girls  are  taught  to  work  on  the  farm."^ 

In  the  methods  of  farming  the  Finn  may  have  a  penchant  to  some 
extent  to  cling  to  his  old  customs.  Some  of  these  still  survive.  He  may. 
for  instance,  cure  his  grain  or  hay  on  driers  or  use  old  methods  in  tilling 
the  soil  and  in  sowing  seeds  and  reaping  the  crop.  The  unfortunate  char- 
acteristic of  his  mind  is  his  doggedness,  and  suspicion  of  innovation.  It 
may  take  quite  a  while  to  convince  him  about  a  certain  thing,  but  as  soon 
as  his  incredulity  is  disposed  of  he  is  apt  to  go  to  the  extreme.  He  may, 
for  instance,  buy  machinery  that  he  does  not  need  on  his  farm. 

The  principal  crops  are  hay,  potatoes,  oats,  wheat,  barley,  rye,  turnips 
and  some  vegetables.  On  every  farm  there  is  a  fruit  orchard.  The  num- 
ber of  cows,  horses  and  poultry  varies  according  to  the  size  of  the  farm. 
In  some  sections  90  acres,  in  some  townships  40  acres  is  the  average  size. 


1.     According   to  Mr,    L.    M.    Geismar,  Hou&hton    County   Agricultural   Agent. 


20  Americanization  Of  The  Finnish  People 

Table  1  gives  representative  figures^  as  to  what  extent  farming  has 
been  carried  on  by  the  Finns  in  the  county.  They  are  sufficient  to  indi- 
cate that  many  of  the  mining  communities  apparently  will  be  changed 
into  self-sufficing  agricultural  communities.  The  map  on  page  6  also  shows 
the  distributive  aspect  of  occupations   in  different  townships. 

TABLE  I. 
Showing  townships,   the  number  of  acres,  their  assessed  valuation  and 
real  property  owned  by  the  Finns  in  Houghton  County. 
Township  No.   of  Acres 

Adams    661 

Calumet 1,707 

Chassell    5,213 

Duncan     1,356 

Elm   River 1,015 

Franklin     1,273 

Hancock     3,552 

Laird 10,702 

Osceola    1,648 

Portage    12,802 

Qulncy   (2)    

Schoolcraft     2,882 

Stanton     18,89  3 

Torch    Lake 5,182 


ssessed  Valution 

Real  Property 

$         9,915 

$142,280 

17,070 

432,950 

130,325 

9,225 

13,560 

3,650 

15,225 

2,000 

12,730 

17.130 

88,800 

213,265 

234,040 

24,720 

16,450 

320,050 

37,000 

43,230 

1,100 

472,325 

51,820 

1,240 

Total 66,896  $1,433,810  $876,290 

A  great  impetus  toward  modern  farming  methods  has  been  started  by 
the  Grange  movement  under  the  leadership  of  Mr.  L.  M.  Geismar  and  by 
the  Agricultural  School  of  Otter  Lake  (Fig.  4)  in  the  center  of  a  Finnish 
farming  community.  "The  attendance  (in  school)  which  was  small  at  first 
rapidly  increased  and  during  the  past  three  years  has  ranged  from  125  to 
upwards  of  400.  The  wholesome  influence  of  the  school  upon  the  whole 
community  h-as  been  plainly  visible  since  then.  Trained  in  practical  work 
of  the  farm  and  home,  the  boys  and  girls  have  gained  in  self-reliance  (Fig. 
5).  They  are  wide  awake  and  well  behaved,  clean  and  bright-eyed,  as  well 
dressed  -and  facing  an  audience  as  composedly  as  any  equal  number  of 
city  children. 

"The  material  progress  in  the  community  is  no  less  conspicuous.  Near- 
ly every  crop  has  been  standardized,  better  houses  and  barns  have  been 
erected.  Automobiles  and  motor  trucks  are  owned  by  several,  and  more 
land  has  been  cleared  and  brought  under  cultivation  during  the  past  four 
years  than  during  the  preceding  fifteen.  And,  best  of  all,  the  community 
is  becoming  thoroughly  Americanized,  for  stanza  after  stanza  of  our 
National  anthems  is  now  sung  by  young  -and  old  and  every  line  has  been 


1.  These  figures  are  based  on  Assessment  Records  of  1917. 

2.  Owned    by    the    Quincy    Mining   Company. 


In  Houghton  County,  Michigan  21 

learned  by  heart.  While  the  war  lasted,  not  one  family  in  the  community 
failed  to  bring  to  the  principal  of  the  school  its  monthly  contribution  to- 
wards Red  Cross  and  other  war  relief  work,  and  on  one  of  the  \\-alIs  of  the 
room  used  for  monthly  meetings  there  hung  a  large  service  flag  with  six- 
teen blue  and  one  gold  stars,  thus  bearing  testimony  to  the  allegiance  of 
these  foreign  born  people  who  chose  America  as  their  home  and  are  ready 
to. defend   it  with   all  they   possess."^ 

Furthermore,  Mr.  Geismar  states  that  Finnish  children  do  ,not  like  to 
talk  their  parents'  langu-age;  they  prefer  English.  Many  of  their  parents, 
it  is  true,  are  unable  to  express  themselves  in  the  English  language.  But 
this  language  difficulty,  it  seems  to  me,  is  not  a  conclusive  criterion  by  which 


"S  t 


Fig.    4 — Otter    Lake    Agrictilttiral    School    located    in    a    Finnish    community 
first    one   of   its   kind    in    Michigan. 

we  should  measure  their  Americanism.  On  the  contrary,  many  of  them 
seem  to  have  attained  a  considerable  degree  of  Americanization  in  spirit 
by  obeying  laws  of  the  country  and  by  not  taking  a  licentious  attitude  to- 
ward interpreting  the  meaning  of  the  word  liberty.  Many  of  these  foreign 
born  citizens,  "although  speaking  no  English  .  .  .  may  yet  be  more 
truly  Americanized  than  such  a  straight  descendants  of  Pilgrim  and  Puri- 
tan stock  as  may  have  habits  of  thought  and  conduct  which  are  undemo- 
cratic,   intolerant,    and    unfratern-al.      Chance    of    birth    and    the    fortune    of 


1.     L.    M.    Geismar.   the   Otter  Lake  Agriculttiral    School   for   Boys  and   Girls.   Mono- 
graph p.   3. 


Americanization  Of  The  Finnish  People 

inheritance  may  as  esily  keep  from  sharing  in  Americanism  the  Bostonian 
as  the  native  of  Bangkok."^ 

Besides  farming  some  diverted  their  attention  to  business  pursuits. 
Many  of  them  did  not  have  inherited  capital  to  start  with.  Nevertheless, 
numerous  successful  business  establishments  are  found  in  the  county. 
Stores  are  clean,  business  methods  American,  reading,  writing,  and  talking 
of  the  English  language  has  become  habitual  for  the  businessman.  How- 
ever, the  native  language  has  retained  its  place  in  the  store  and  each  store- 
keeper tries  to  carry  articles  and  delicacies  of  the  old  country  and  to 
advertise  them  in  Finnish  papers  and  other  publications.  There  are  always 
found  one  or  two  Finnish  speaking  clerks  in  the  store.  This  same  custom, 
perhaps,   to   accommodate   Finnish   patrons,    is    followed    by   American    busi- 


FiK. 


-A     m-iiuji    if    Kiiiiiisli    rliild  irii,    (Mill-     l-alsr,     Micli  iuaii. 


ness    houses.      Dry    goods    stores,    banks,    grocery    stores,    and    drug    stores 
employ  Finnish  clerks  and  bookkeepers. 

That  some  of  these  Finnish  business  concerns  seem  to  have  suc- 
ceeded is  shown  by  the  fact  that  some  houses  transact  business  over 
$300,000  worth  annually.  Through  business  activities  the  Finn  has  come 
sooner  in  close  contact  with  American  life  and  consequently,  he  seems  to 
have  adopted  through  this  channel  American  ideals  and  customs  more 
rapidly  than  by  any  other  economic  activity. 


1.      W.    Talbot,    Amrricanizaiioii,    pp.    1,    2. 


In  Houghton  County,  Michigan  23 

This  survey  of  the  adaptation  of  the  Finnish  group  to  his  economic 
environment  indicates  that  he  has  not  only  made  the  adjustments  neces- 
sary for  livelihood,  but  has  adopted  American  methods  of  agriculture  and 
business  making  for  efficiency.  His  economic  success  in  the  United  States 
has  had  a  decisive  part  in  developing  loyalty  to  the  United  States.  To 
what  extent  and  in  what  way  the  Americanization  forces  have  modified  him 
through  his  religious  institutions  will  be  discussed  in  the  following  chapter. 


24  Americanization  Of  The  Finnish  People 


RELIGIOUS  ACTIVITIES. 

The  church  segregates  newcomers  into  ethnic  groups  so  long  as  it 
adheres  to  old  ceremonies  and  to  the  native  language.  The  old  system 
of  ritualism  holds  together  that  group  of  individuals  possessing  approximate- 
ly the  same  "apperception  mass."  Through  social  inheritance  of  religious 
ideals  the  church  without  changing  its  policy  may  for  a  certain  length  of 
time  hold  under  its  roof  those  who  are  inclined  to  "define  the  situation 
differently",  for  instance,  the  native  born.  So  the  first  effect  of  the  in- 
fluence of  the  church  appears  to  be  opposed  to  Americanization.  But  as 
soon  as  the  number  of  native  born  increases  the  church  is  compelled  to 
adop^  a  compromising  policy;  it  becomes  an  agent  in  the  process  of  adapta- 
tion. In  its  attempt  to  keep  the  two  groups  of  divergent  mental  attitudes 
together  it  becomes  a  positive  agency  for  Americanization. 

Houghton  county  was  the  birth  place  of  organized  religious  activities 
among  the  Finnish  people.  About  forty-three  years  ago  the  first  Finnish 
Lutheran  congregation  was  established  in  Calumet.  Services  were  held  in 
the  same  church  with  Norwegians  and  Swedes. ^  As  the  number  of 
settlers  increased  congregations  were  established  in  other  mining  towns  and 
villages.  Different  religious  denominations  also  came  into  existence.  They 
were  the  resultant  of  disputes  over  church  polity,  doctrines  and  leadership. 
Thus  there  were  the  Evangelical  Lutherans,  those  belonging  to  the  Na- 
tional Evangelical  Lutheran  Church,  and  the  Apostolical  Lutherans.  The 
first  group  is  a  branch  of  the  State  Church  of  Finland,  the  second  a 
derivative  of  the  former  and  the  last  one  a  religious  sect  having  originated 
in  northern  Finland.  When  we  add  one  group  who  call  themselves  Metho- 
dists we  have  covered  all  the  important  denominations  that  are  functioning 
among  the  Finnish  people  in  the  county. 

Why  is  it,  one  may  ask,  that  there  are  so  m-any  religious  organizations? 
To  answer  briefly:  the  partisanship  in  the  church  leadership,  narrowminded- 
ness,  individualism  and  its  accompanying  uncompromising  attitude,  so  char- 
acteristic of  the  Finnish  mind,  were  the  underlying  causes.  This  extreme 
individualism  has  been  his  greatest  weakness  on  one  hand  and  his  greatest 
strength  on  the  other  in  the  hour  of  trial.  These  causes  have  tended  to 
undermine  church  activities,  have  resulted  in  unnecessary  duplication  of 
churches,   congregations,    halls,    Sunday   schools,    ministers    and    parsonages. 

1.     Gf.  V.  Rautanen,  Amerikan   Suomalainen  kirkko,   pp.   35,   36. 


In  Houghton  County,  Michigan  25 

They  also  have  imposed  needless  expenditures  upon  the  members.  Table 
II  shows  comparative  strength  of  various  denominations.  Most  of  the 
statistics  are  based  on  estimation  and  may  not  be  complete.  In  addition, 
the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church  or  Suomi  Synod  owns  eight  halls  which 
are  used  for  the  church  services  and  Sunday  and  parochial  school  pur- 
poses (Fig.  6). 


TABLE   IL 

Showing  the  number  of  denominations,  churches,  congregations,  member- 
ship and  ministers.! 

Denominations     No.   of  Churches     Congregations  Members  Ministers 

Ev.    Luth.    11                          14  5,702                          3 

Natl.    Luth    12  748                        1 

Apost.    Luth.    9                         10  1,675                        2 

Methodist    11  187                        1 

Total 22  27  8,312  7 

Ministers  in  service  of  congregations,  with  a  few  exceptions,  are  edu- 
cated in  Finland.  They  preach  in  Finnish  and  services  are  much  similar 
to  those  in  the  home  country,  or  to  those  of  the  Lutheran  Church  of 
America.  The  use  of  the  native  tongue  has  been  imperative  in  religious 
work  on  account  of  great  number  of  those  unable  to  understand  the  Eng- 
lish language.  Such  use  of  the  n-ative  tongue,  no  doubt,  tends  to  perpetuate 
those  thoughts,  ideals  and  customs  inherited  from   the  home  country. 

What,  then,  has  the  church  done  to  Americanize  the  newcomer  in  the 
land  of  his  adoption?  In  the  first  place  the  action  of  the  church  has 
molded  his  morals,  acted  to  check  lawlessness  and  other  un-Americanizing 
forces.  The  church  has  developed  social  solidarity,  brought  together  the 
native  born  and  the  adult  newcomer.  Through  such  association  he  came 
in  closer  contact  with  American  ideals,  customs  -and  ways  of  thinking.  It 
is,  one  might  add,  due  to  the  influence  of  the  native  born  that  many  of 
the  congregations  are  beginning  to  use  the  English  language  as  a  medium 
of  exchange  of  thoughts  in  religious  -activities.  The  church  also  has  ac- 
cepted American  methods  for  its  financial  support.  It,  furthermore,  has 
acted  as  a  medium  in  directing  and  concentrating  the  minds  of  its  mem- 
bers on  vital  issues  affecting  the  welfare  and  h-appiness  of  the  American 
people.  On  Mothers'  Day  it  has  emphasized  the  importance  of  the  home 
as  fulcrum  of  existing  social  order  and  the  mother's  place  in  it.  On  na- 
tional holidays,  for  instance,  on  Washington's  birthday  the  church  has  laid 
stress   on   noble   characters    of    America's   leaders,    on    lofty    ideals,    on    re- 


1.     According-    to    the    figure,s    furnLshed    in    1917    by    the    ministers    of    the    various 
denominations. 


26 


Americanization  Of  The  Finnish  People 


spected  and  long  cherished  customs  and  traditions.  Thus,  the  church  as  a 
bearer  of  moral  standard,  maintaining  those  principles  and  ideals — free- 
dom of  conscience,  freedom  for  each  indviidual  to  worship  his  God  accord- 
ing to  the  dictates  of  his  heart  so  long  as  his  religious  practices  do  not 
violate  the  laws  of  the  country — upheld  with  reverence  by  the  founders  of 
this  country,  has  made  the  newcomer  a  better  citizen  than  what  he  would 
have  been  otherwise.  We  have  only  those  Americanized  religious  ideals 
and  traditions  expressed  or  implied  in  the  constitution  of  the  United  States. 
But  in  the  narrowest  sense  of  the  word  any  church  is  American  only  when 


Fier.    6 — Fiiini.sli    l^ulliiTai]    church,    Hancock,    .Michigan. 


its  language  together  with   its  spirit  is  American.     The  complete  use  of  the 
English  language  in  the  Finnish  church  is  a  matter  of  time. 

The  Young  People's  Societies  grew  up  in  connection  with  the  church. 
They  are  modeled  after  the  American  Lutheran  League.'  Societies 
hold  concerts  and  soci^als  using  proceeds  either  for  its  own  benefit  or  that 
of  the  congregation.     For  recreational   purposes   young   people   arrange   out- 

1.      Cf.     Juhla-AUjuini,     Suonii     Synoodiri,     25- vuoti.sjulUan     imiistokHi     1890-1915,     pp. 
120,    121. 


In  Houghton  County,  Michigan  27 

door  picnics,  rowing  excursions,  and  country  walks.  Meetings  are  held  once 
or  twice  a  month  on  Sunday  evenings,  business  meetings  on  week  day  eve- 
nings. The  program  in  the  concert  consists  of  speeches  singing,  recitations, 
poems,  piano,  violin  or  mandolin  solos.  The  rendition  of  the  program  is 
preferred  in  the  English  language,  although  Finnish  still  retains  its  place. 
Since  the  native  born  form  the  dominating  majority  in  the  society  one  may 
infer  with  meticulous  correc'ness,  that  this  group  is  more  thoroughly 
Americanized  than  any  other  organization.  The  pressure  brought  about 
by  the  n-ative  born  has  certainly  proved  to  be  a  good  eye  opener  for  the 
adult  newcomers  as  regards  the  language  question.  They  have  been  forced 
to  take  cognizance  of  the  fact  that  the  English  language  will  be  required 
of  all  ministers  to  keep  the  young  people  in  the  church  or  they  either  will 
join  some  other  denomination  or  else  remain  altogether  outside  of  the 
church.  Thus  the  Young  People's  Societies  act  as  tremendous  Americaniz- 
ing force  among  the  adult  newcomer. 

Sunday  schools  also  as  indicated  by  Table  III  are  maintained  by  each 
denomination  and  some  congregations  even  have  parochial  schools  in  the 
summer  time  lasting  usually  from  one  to  two  months.  The  language  used 
in  these  schools  is  Finnish.  Thus  the  child  receives  his  religious  education 
in  the  language  of  his  parents.  It  is,  then,  one  of  the  aims  of  these  schools 
among  the  Finns  as  it  is  among  Scandinavians  and  Germans,  to  preserve 
the  parents'  native  l-anguage  to  their  children.  Many  children,  further- 
more, grow  up  to  the  age  of  five  with  the  speaking  knowledge  of  Finnish 
alone,  except  a  few  English  words  he  has  learned  from  his  playmates. 
This  sort  of  situation   is  often  due  to  the  parents'  inability  to  talk  English. 

TABLE  III. 

Showing  denominations,  the  number  of  Sunday  schools,  teachers  and 
pupils. 

Denominations  Schools  Teachers  Pupils 

Ev.    Luth.    25                                   347  2,290 

Natl.   Luth. 2                                        9  120 

Apost.    Luth.  1           8                                      60  250 

Methodist  1             1                                      10  75 

Total 36  426  2,735 

Curiously  enough,  as  soon  as  these  youngsters  get  into  the  public 
school  and  as  they  learn  the  English  language  they  dislike  to  talk  Finnish. 
It  seems  as  though  they  had  not  been  taught  Finnish  at  all,  as  though  all 
efforts  to  preserve  the  parents'  language  had  been  in  vain.  At  home  his 
answer  to  his  father  or  mother  comes  in  English. 

1.      E'Ttimated    figures. 


28  Americanization  Of  The  Finnish  People 

This  same  disparaging  attitude  toward  the  Finnish  language  is  shown 
by  the  children  in  Sunday  and  parochial  schools.  They  talk  the  English 
language  wherever  they  can  evade  the  teacher's  eye.  It  seems,  therefore, 
evident  that  in  spite  of  private  efforts  to  perpetuate  the  native  tongue  which, 
no  doubt  would  be  a  valuable  asset  to  the  child,  the  first  generation  is 
becoming  so  swiftly  Americanized  that  to  keep  it  under  the  influence  of 
the  church  the  use  of  the  English  language  is  imperative. 

In  what  respect,  then,  Sunday  schools  have  acted  as  medium  of 
Americanization?  I.n  the  first  place  most  of  them  are  modeled  after  the 
American  system  i.  e.,  classification  of  children  according  to  their  ages  and 
mental  development.  American  text  books  are  used  in  some  Sund-ay  school 
teachers'  training  institutes.  Furthermore,  the  action  of  the  Sunday  and 
parochial  schools  has  been  the  same  as  that  of  the  church,  n-amely,  develop- 
ment of  the  child's  moral  conduct.  They  have,  also,  brought  together  chil- 
dren of  various  social  environments  and  the  child  with  more  advanced 
American  customs  no  doubt,  has  impressed  his  classmate  who  perhaps,  by 
some  reason  or  other  was  somewhat  blackward  in  sharing  American  life. 
Denominational  schools  also  have  brought  the  young  American  and  the 
adult  newcomer  into  closer  contact  with  one  another  and  such  association 
has  resulted  in  changing  the  adult's  viewpoint  more  to  American  standards. 
In  brief,  Young  People's  Society,  denominational  schools,  and  the  church, 
in  satisfying  spiritual  wants,  have  been  forces  of  Americanization  sub- 
jectively, although  these  institutions  have  made  somewhat  less  rapid  prog- 
ress toward  Americanization  objectively.  There  are,  in  addition,  other 
spiritual  desires  which  seemed  to  have  sought  satisfaction  through  national- 
ist organizations,  since  the  church  took  somewhat  skeptical  attitude  toward 
them. 


In  Houghton  County,  Michigan  29 


VI. 

NATIONALIST  ORGANIZATIONS. 

Newcomers  of  the  same  nationality  with  common  ideals  and  standards 
live  in  the  same  "universe  of  discourse."  Consequently,  nationalist  organi- 
zations come  partly  into  existence  as  means  of  social  intercourse  or  recip- 
rocal exchange  of  ideals,  at  least  so  long  as  the  newcomer  begins  to  inter- 
pret the  data  he  comes  in  contact  with  on  different  grounds.  From  the 
point  of  view  of  their  origin,  therefore,  they  tend  to  perpetuate  social 
attitudes  of  the  old  country.  But  in  their  development  by  adaptation  to 
the  new  environment    they  may  become  Americanizing  agencies. 

There  are  two  distinct  types  of  nationalist  institutions,  the  temperance 
society  and  the  socialist  society.  In  1885  the  foundation  for  the  Pohjan 
Tahti  (North  Star)  temperance  association  was  laid.  First  meetings  were 
held  in  a  rented  ball.  As  soon  as  the  membership  grew  larger  and  a  con- 
siderable sum  of  money  collected  a  hall  for  the  society  was  constructed. 

A  temperance  hall  itself  is  usually  a  very  modest  frame  building  one  or 
two  stories  high  (Fig.  7).  The  assembly  hall  forms  the  nucleus  in  it  with 
a  stage  which  is  decorated  with  some  painting  depicting  a  scene  from  Fin- 
land or  from  some  other  country.  There  is  also  a  kitchen  used  during 
socials  for  refreshments  and  coffee  drinking.  The  society  has  its  constitu- 
tion and  by-laws,  total  abstinence  being  the  absolute  requirement  for  mem- 
bership.   Each  member  pays  a  small  fee. 

The  number  of  temperance  associations  has  increased  so  rapidly  that 
in  1917  there  were  sixteen  halls  in  the  county.  The  property  value  of  these 
halls  amounted  to  $39,000  in  round  numbers.  The  membership  has  varied 
from  about  2,000  to  1,000.  The  maintenance  of  these  societies  has  imposed 
heavy  financial  sacrifices  on  the  members,  but  at  the  same  time  has  acted  as 
a  stimulus  to  greater  social  activity. 

What  were  the  underlying  reasons  for  the  foundation  and  survival  of 
these  societies?  Was  it  drunkenness  or  special  aptitude  of  the  Finnish 
people  to  indulge  in  intoxicating  liquors?  It  is  true,  one  must  admit  that 
the  use  of  alcoholic  liquors  was  general  among  them  in  early  days,  just 
as  it  was  common  in  other  immigrant  groups.  About  thirty  years  ago  more 
or  less  frontier  life  prevailed  in  these  mining  communities.  The  moral  level 
was  low,  national  animosities  and  occasional  quarrels  between  different 
racial  groups  caused  a  great  deal  of  trouble.  The  Finnish  miner,  of  course, 
being  an   excessive   drinker,  was   also   embroiled   in   many   squabbles.     His 


30 


Americanization  Of  The  Finnish  People 


boisterous  conduct  while  intoxicated  led  him  into  the  hands  of  an  officer. 
Often  the  cause  of  trouble  was  unknown,  but  since  he  was  unable  to  speak 
the  English  language  he  was  compelled  to  bear  the  brunt  of  the  burden.  To 
rescue  those  who  were  addicted  to  alcoholic  beverages  and  to  mitigate  the 
poignant  sufferings  of  their  relatives  in  the  old  country  were  the  two  prin- 
cipal aims  of  the  temperance  society. 

The  leisure  time  problem  was  another  reason  for  its  existence.  He 
was  in  a  new  environment  engaged  in  routine  work  in  an  unattractive  min- 
ing village.  He  had  no  place,  except  his  crowded  lodging  house  or  places 
of  commercialized  recreation  where  he  might  spend  his  leisure  time.  Thus 
in   response   to   his   potential    wants   to   counterbalance    old    and    new    ideals. 


i^'iti-    T — "KynLiiju"    Toinpeniiice    Hall,     I'aine.sdale,     Michigan. 


experiences  and  sentiments  in  the  formation  of  new  personality  in  the 
process  of  adjustment,  the  temperance  hall  came  into  existence.  In  it  he 
s-ang  his  folksongs,  played  his  national  games,  recited  his  stories  and 
poems,  acted  his  plays.  In  brief,  the  hall  became  a  valuable  social  center 
where  the  native  born  came  again  in  contact  with  the  adult  newcomer. 
This  sort  of  inter-communication  was  of  mutual  benefit  for  the  both.  The 
former  was  enriched  by  idealism  through  naMve  songs  and  games;  the  lat- 
ter by  acquisition  of  new  customs.  Even  the  names  of  these  societies  such 
as    Koitto,    "The    Morning    Twilight;"    Onni,    "Luck;"    Puhjan    Tahti,    "The 


In  Houghton  County,  Michigan  31 

North  Star;"  Hyvd  Toivo,  "Good  Hope;"  Sdde,  "Ray;"  Soihtu,  "The  Torch," 
imply  that  their  work  and  a;m  was  far  reaching,  idealistic. 

Later  on  temperance  societies  established  schools  for  children  for  the 
purpose  of  disseminating  information  about  the  liquor  traffic.  Libraries 
consisting  of  temperance  literature,  periodicals,  newspapers  and  fiction  were 
founded  in  conjunction  with  each  society.  Musical  and  recreational  activi- 
ties were  kept  alive  by  glee  and  athletic  clubs,  by  bands  and  concerts.  Many 
societies  published  temperance  literature,  financed  lectures  in  the  English 
and  Finnish  languages,  and  continually  kept  on  the  alert  on  the  enforce- 
ment of  prohibition  laws. 

In  various  activities  Finnish  was  mainly  used,  the  language  difficulty 
here  aga'n  necessitating  it.  Nevertheless,  these  societies  have  co-operated 
with  the  Anti-Saloon  League  in  carrying  on  the  fight  against  the  liquor 
traffic.  Moreover,  the  Anti-Saloon  League  has  infused  Americanism  into 
the  Finnish  temperance  societies  through  literature  and  lectures.  It  is 
due  to  this  co-operation  that  these  societies  in  their  methods  of  carrying 
on  temperance  propaganda  in  middle  west  and  western  states  are  more 
American  than  those  in  the  East.i 

The  socialist  societies  are  working  independently  of  other  organiza- 
tions. Their  program,  of  course,  lays  emphasis  on  labor  and  its  relation 
to  capital.  Many  a  society  has  been  under  the  leadership  of  those  who 
were  forced  to  leave  their  mother  country  or  who  either  came  here  at  their 
own  free  will.  Some  of  these  native  leaders  have  had  no  deeper  insight 
into  American  life,  its  laws  and  institutions.  And  yet  with  their  ideas  of 
internationalism  and  other  "isms"  they  have  posed  as  reformers  of  Ameri- 
can social  conditions.  They  have  succeeded  in  gathering  a  considerable 
number  of  less  thoughtful  countiymen  to  rally  around  them  and  these  vic- 
tims have  become  mere  satellites  about  their  blind  leaders.  Regardless  of 
their  shortcomings  through  various  publications  and  immediate  contact  with 
American  labor  leaders  the  socialist  group  has  absorbed,  digested  and  bor- 
rowed ideas  and  methods  from  American  labor  organizations.  Whatever, 
then,  good  or  bad  in  American  labor  theories  they  have  been  accepted  as 
authoritative  by  their  rank  and  file.  The  socialist  organizations  as  well  as 
other  societies  came  into  existence  to  satisfy  various  group  interests. 
Although  national  characteristics  have  predominated  in  both  the  temper- 
ance and  socialist  societies,  yet  they  have  acted  as  a  compromising  medium 
in  an  indirect  way  between  the  two  sets  of  attitudes  in  Americanizing  the 
newcomer. 


According   to    Mr.   H.    Moilanen,    who    has    been    an    active    leader    in    temperance 
work  among  the  Finnish   people. 


32  Americanization  Of  The  Finnish  People 


VII. 

CULTURAL  AND  EDUCATIONAL  AGENCIES. 

The  native  cultural  and  educational  institutions  seem  to  rise  in  response 
to  spiritual  needs,  especially  in  such  immigrant  groups  where  national  con- 
sciousness has  been  intensified  by  a  high  level  of  common  education  or 
cultural  ideals  of  the  home  country.  This  appears  to  hold  true  of  the  Finns 
also.  As  their  number  increased  their  desire  to  satisfy  intellectual  wants 
resulted  in  the  establishment  of  a  denominational  school.  In  1896  Suomi 
College  and  Theological  Seminary  was  founded  in  Hancock  (Fig.  8).  The 
original  idea  of  the  college  was  to  prepare  ministers  of  the  gospel  to  serve 
their  countrymen.  This  step,  it  was  thought,  was  necessary  since  the  ministers 
who  came  over  from  Finland  did  not  find  conditions  satisfactory  to  remain 
here  any  length  of  time.  "The  English  language  is  used  as  a  medium  of 
instruction  in  the  majority  of  subjects,  the  exceptions  being  in  the  Finnish 
language  and  literature  and  Christianity  and  all  the  subjects  in  the  Theologi- 
cal departments  where  the  Finnish  naturally  occupies  a  very  prominent  posi- 
tion in  the  course. 

"The  institution  takes  into  consideration  the  requirements  of  an  Amer- 
ican education  at  the  same  time  cherishing  the  heritage  of  the  Old 
Fatherland. "1  Recent  development  of  the  college,  however,  indicate 
that  American  ideals  and  language  are  gaining  more  ground  that  the  Finnish 
language,  literature  and  history  will  have  the  same  place  in  its  curriculum 
as  the  German  or  French  language  and  literature  has  in  American  prepara- 
tory schools. 

The  faculty  consists  of  about  12  instructors,  total  annual  attendance 
ranging  from  115  to  145  students.  Its  financial  support  come  through 
donations  and  solicitations,  primarily  from  the  members  of  the  Finnish 
Evangelical  Lutheran  Church. 

There  are  skeptical  opinions  as  to  the  influence  of  denominational 
schools  in  immigrant  groups.  Some  hold  the  opinion  that  they  perpetuate 
racial  boundaries;  others  again  consider  them  to  be  means  of  enriching 
American  culture.  Each  one  may  pass  his  judgment  upon  the  matter  ac- 
cording to  his  mental  attitude.  The  college  under  consideration  seems  to 
have  become  a  force  in  the  adaptation  of  the  newcomer  whatever  its  orig- 
inal aim  may  have  been.  In  the  organization  of  religious  work  the  college 
has  exerted  a  powerful  influence.     The  ministers  trained  in  it  have  learned 


1.     Bulletin    of   Suomi    College  and    Theological    Seminary    1918-1919    pp.    8.    9. 


In  Houghton  County,  Michigan 


33 


the  English  language  and  the  American  viewpoint  in  church  work.  In 
other  words,  it  has  tended  to  demolish  and  to  destroy  old  ways  of  thinking 
and  formalism  through  educational  channels.  The  institution  also  has  acted 
as  -a  medium  in  the  dissemination  of  American  principles  through  nationalist 
leadership.  Its  graduates  of  various  departments  have  played  an  important 
role  directly  or  indirectly  in  the  Americanization  process  of  community  life. 
Numerous  teachers  in  public  schools  have  received  their  prep-aratory  train- 
ing in  the  college  and  they,  knowing  the  idiosyncracies  of  their  people,  have 
been  able  to  approach  them  with  effective  results.  American  influences 
have  been  thus  brought  more  readily  home.  The  school,  furthermore,  has 
prepared  m-any  newcomers  for  American  citizenship  by  teaching  the 
language  of  the  country  and  its  history. 


v".,?. 


'l^T^i/  m 


34 


Americanization  Of  The  Finnish  People 


Thus  so  long  as  the  college  is  co-operating  with  American  institutions, 
so  long  as  immigration  is  continuing,  if  the  true  American  spirit  permiates 
the  school  and  Americanism  is  paramount,  it  is  an  invaluable  means  in  the 
adjustment  of  the  newcomer  to  the  new  environment. 

The  educational  aspirations  of  the  Finn  are  further  evidenced  by  the 
native  press.  There  are  two  newspapers  and  several  periodicals  published 
in  the  county.  The  newspapers  are  Republican  in  tone  and  circulate  not 
only  in  the  county  but  all  over  the  United  States  and  in  foreign  countries 
where  Finns  are  living.  The  first  p-age  of  the  paper  is  usually  devoted  to 
general    news   which    often    are   translations    from    American    newspapers    or 


Fig.   9 —  A   mixed   clioir   wliieli    i.s  foutul   almost   in    evei-y    Kiniii.sli  Coinim  uiiily. 

reproductions  from  those  coming  from  the  home  country.  The  editorial 
page  consists  of  comments  on  social,  economic,  political  or  religious  issues 
about  America,  Finland  or  some  other  country.  There  is  also  a  section 
comprising  letters  from  readers  in  various  communities  all  over  the  country. 
These  letters  reflect  mostly  on  primary  group  events  such  as  visits, 
weddings,  funerals,  accidents.  The  rest  of  the  paper  is  devoted  to  adver- 
ments. 

The  nationalist  sentiment  seems  to  run  throughout  the  paper,  but  at  the 
same  time  it  has  its  share  in  moulding  the  newcomer's  mind  to  see  and  to 
judge  things  according  to  new  standards.   The  native  press   keeps  him   in- 


In  Houghton  County,  Michigan  35 

formed  about  public  questions,  political  and  civic  duties.  Such  information 
in  turn  tends  to  change  his  attitude  of  mind  in  order  that  he  may  have  a 
part  in  the  formation  of  public  opinion.  Through  the  native  press  the 
newcomer  comes  within  the  reach  of  the  state  and  federal  officials  in  their 
efforts  to  convey  American  principles. 

Concerts  and  socials  form  still  another  branch  of  educational  activities. 
They  are  held  in  the  evening.  The  program  is  selected  to  suit  the  occasion. 
It  may  consist  of  speeches,  instrumental  numbers  and  poems.  If  the  occa- 
sion is  an  unusual  one  some  prominent  person  of  the  community  will  de- 
liver the  principal  address  in  English.  Valuable  aid  in  these  gatherings  is 
often  given  by  numerous  glee  clubs.  It  happens  that  five  or  six  different 
choirs  participate  in  the  rendition  of  the  program  (Fig.  9).  They  sing 
mostly  native  songs,  sometimes  supplementing  their  program  with  Amer- 
ican songs.  In  general  the  atmosphere  in  these  socials  and  concerts  is 
serious.  They  often  become  the  climax  of  long  repres'^ed  memories,  senti- 
ments and  emotions  about  the  old  country. 

As  already  mentioned,  although  cultural  and  educational  institutions 
among  the  Finns  arose  to  satisfy  certain  wants,  yet  to  keep  pace  with  the 
growing  demands  of  those  who  were  forming  new  viewpoints,  creating  new 
desires  about  new  conditions,  they  have  become  to  a  certain  extent  forces 
of  Americanization. 


36  Americanization  Of  The  Finnish  People 


VIII. 

PARTICIPATION  IN  POLITICS. 

The  newcomer's  interest  in  politics  is  generally  a  later  development  in 
his  new  environment.  To  exercise  full  rights  of  citizenship  he  is  to  go 
through  the  process  of  naturalization.  It  adds  new  obligations  and  rights 
to  the  shoulders  of  the  immigrant  and  acts  as  an  incentive  to  a  greater 
sharing  in  the  common  life.  But  the  process  in  itself  does  not  necessarily 
transform  him  into  an  American.  Emotionally  or  sentimentally  he  may  still 
be  bound  to  his  native  country,  but  the  public  interests  at  large  affecting 
his  economic  status  or  other  questions  that  -are  of  immediate  concern  to 
him,  compel  him  to  participate  in  a  wider  field  of  public  activities. 

Unlike  the  Irish  or  English  immigrants  who,  on  their  arrival  to  this 
country,  plunge  directly  into  politics,  the  Finn  did  not  find  much  interest 
in  it.  The  language  difficulty,  no  doubt,  was  one  reason  for  his  laxity.  On 
the  other  band,  his  lack  of  interest  can  be  traced  back  to  his  old  country 
where  he  was  under  different  political  institutions  and  rules  by  foreign 
sovereigns. 

During  recent  years,  however,  the  Finn  has  taken  more  interest  in  the 
administration  of  local  and  national  affairs.  Unfortunately,  the  lack  of  co- 
operation in  his  own  group  has  impeded  his  political  career.  Some  have 
succeeded  in  holding  the  offices  of  mayor,  of  county  -and  township  clerk, 
of  supervisor,  of  township  treasurer,  and  of  highway  commissioner.  In 
politics  he  does  not  commit  himself  to  any  particular  party.  He  seems  to 
lay  emphasis  on  the  aspirant's  personal  qualifications  as  an  office  holder 
and  on  the  issues  on  which  he  is  making  his  campaign.  Very  indicative  of 
this  was  the  birth  of  the  Progressive  Party  with  the  late  Theodore  Roose- 
velt, who  is  much  -admired  by  the  Finns,  as  its  leader.  The  majority  of  the 
Finnish  voters  were  his  supporters.  Nominally,  of  course,  the  Finn  is 
Republican.  This  seems  to  be  accountable  to  the  fact  that  many  still  re- 
member president  Cleveland's  administration  with  its  accompanying  bad 
times.  Hence  some  think  that  the  democratic  president  means  an  empty 
dinner  pail  and  unprosperous  times.  Moreover,  the  native  press  has  its 
influence  in  moulding  his  political  ideas.  Practically  all  Finnish  newspapers 
are  leaning  toward  the  Republican  party  in  their  sentiments. 

The  Prohibition  party  also  has  won  supporters  among  the  Finns.  Many 
of  them  became  convinced  that  it  is  through  political  action  only  that  their 
hopes  in  comb-atting  the  liquor  traffic  could   be   realized.     "That's  the   only 


In  Houghton  County,  Michigan  37 

party  with  real  issues.  I  have  vo'ed  for  the  Republican  candidates,  but  I 
found  out  that  I  was  fooled.  I  shall  support  the  Prohibition  party  until  the 
liquor  traffic  is  brought  to  an  end,"  exclaimed  an  elderly  m-an.  Another 
man  said  that  he  was  not  particular  about  party  lines  in  local  politics,  but 
in  national  elections  the  Prohibition  party  was  his  choice.  The  socialists 
naturally  follow  their  own  leaders.  Only  a  few  are  supporting  the  Demo- 
cratic party. 

In  local  politics  when  no  vital  issues  are  at  stake,  according  to  his 
opinion,  the  Finn  still  remains  somewhat  indifferent.  In  national  elections, 
on  the  other  hand,  he  often  displays  over-enthusiasm.  When  he  becomes 
convinced  about  a  certain  issue  he  carries  it  through  at  any  cost.  No  stump 
speeches  of  efflorescent  rhetoric  can  change  his  mind.  Meetings  are  held 
in  crowded  halls,  speeches  are  made  in  the  English  and  Finnish  languages. 


38  Americanization  Of  The  Finnish  People 


IX. 

TRADITIONS. 

The  adaptation  of  the  adult  newcomer  to  his  new  environment,  despite 
accelerating  forces,  can  never  become  complete  in  his  life  time.  His  re- 
action patterns  still  seek  to  respond  to  those  physical,  social,  and  idealistic 
stimuli  which  surrounded  him  during  his  formative  stage  of  mind.  Thus 
traditions,  although  Americanization  forces  have  carried  on  their  mission 
to  a  considerable  extent  in  the  individual's  life,  tend  to  remain  in  one's 
consciousness.  During  the  moment  of  emotional  excitement,  for  instance,  his 
native  language  in  his  own  group  may  be  of  great  value  to  him  because  it  is 
this  language  that  possess  all  the  delicate  shades,  vibrations,  and  colorings 
implanted  in  it  through  the  mother's  cradle  songs  or  added  to  it  by  a  multi- 
tude of  childhood  experiences.  This  explains  why  Finnish,  for  instance,  is 
used  so  widely  together  with  English.  The  n-ative  tongue  is  mixed  with 
English  words  and  phrases  and  it  is  more  of  negative  value  as  soon  as 
English  becomes  habitual  in  every  day  use. 

As  regards  wearing  apparel  some  noticeable  traditions  are  still  main- 
tained. The  use  of  a  kerchief  is  very  common  among  women,  especially 
among  some  religious  sect  in  which  both  men  and  women,  like  the  Puri- 
tans, lay  a  great  emphasis  on  simplicity  of  dress.  Women's  attitude  of 
adhering  to  this  usage  without  religious  motives  can  be  attributed  to  their 
previous  environment.  In  early  days  it  was  thought  that  the  wearing  of  a 
h-at  did  not  belong  to  the  peasant  woman.  It  was  a  thing  worn  by  educated 
ladies  or  by  those  who  thought  they  belonged  to  upper  classes.  Hence  the 
custom  still  prevalent. 

Women  in  rural  districts  wear  skirts,  waists,  etc.,  resembling  those  used 
in  Finland  while  the  servant  maids  seem  to  accept  American  fashions  readi- 
ly. Some  men  in  farming  districts  cling  to  their  home-made  boots  which  they 
claim  are  very  comfortable. 

Table  setting  and  food  cooking  is  done  after  the  American  and  Finnish 
style.  Sour  milk,  certain  varieties  of  pies  and  bread  and  beef  stew  -are 
some  of  the  delicacies  that  the  Finn  still  prefers.  One  gentleman  of  prom- 
inent position  said:  "I  have  no  other  old  traditions  that  I  like  to  perpetuate 
except  th-at  I  like  to  eat  salt  salmon.  It  is  just  as  appetizing  at  the  break- 
fast table  as  it  is  at  supper  time."  Another  man  holding  a  political  office 
added:  "At  the  time  we  came  to  America  my  mother  learned  to  prepare 
and  cook  American   dishes   from   our  neighbors  who  were  our  best   friends. 


In  Houghton  County,  Michigan  39 

A,nd  queer  as  it  may  appear  our  neighbors  learned  to  eat  Finnish  dishes 
from  us.  My  mother  used  to  take  samples  to  them  and  they  in  exchange 
brought  us  their  samples.  Thus  we  learned  m-any  new  things  in  cookery  by 
mutual  exchange.  Our  neighbors  also  learned  to  eat  Finnish  rye  bread  and 
coffee  toast.     They  even  learned  to  use  the  Finnish  bathhouse." 

In  conjunction  with  other  food  habits  coffee  drinking  might  be  men- 
tioned. The  Finn  drinks  coffee  four  or  five  times  -a  day.  And  when  a 
visitor  comes  the  very  first  thing  he  does  to  express  his  hospitality  is  to 
offer  him  coffee  with  cake  or  cookies.  Sometimes  soft  drink  or  fruits  take 
the  place  of  coffee. 

The  most  important  religious  holidays  are  still  celebrated  in  rural  dis- 
tricts and  even  in  towns.  John  Babtist's  day,  Christmas,  Good  Friday, 
Easter,  etc.,  are  among  those  celebrated.  The  Shrove  Tuesday  is  spent  in 
sleigh  riding  or  in  the  evening  in  a  social  gathering. 

Historical  traditio.ns  are  perpe.'uated  by  various  ways.  Speeches  in  so- 
cials and  picnics,  for  instance,  may  consist  of  some  phase  of  the  Finnish 
history  of  laudatory  remarks  of  the  people  for  its  heroic  stand  against  for- 
eign oppression.  Finnish  culture,  literature,  music  -and  art  are  also  plainly 
emphasized.  Just  as  proud  as  the  people  seem  to  be  of  their  composer  Jean 
Sibelius,  who  has  depicted  .national  characteristics  in  music  they  are  of 
their  national  epic  poem  the  Kalevala.  The  secret  society  "The  Knights  of 
Kaleva"  is  especially  concentrating  its  efforts  to  make  the  significance  of 
this  epic  poem  known. 

Then  there  is  a  peculair  nationalist  institution,  the  Finnish  bathhouse, 
the  use  of  which,  perhaps,  is  the  most  striking  tradition.  The  building  itself 
varies  in  construction  and  size.  Within  it  in  one  corner  there  is  an  oven- 
like structure  or  "stove"  built  of  stones  and  bricks.  As  soon  as  the  stones 
upon  the  oven  are  heated  and  both  warm  and  cold  water  supplied  the  bath- 
house is  ready  for  occupancy.  About  two  or  three  feet  high  from  the  floor 
around  the  wall  is  a  platform  with  benches  on  which  the  bather  may  sit 
while  steaming  himself.  Some  small  bucketfuls  of  water  thrown  on  the 
heated  stones  fills  the  room  with  steam.  The  bathing  is  then  performed  in 
a  condensed  heat  by  beating  the  body  with  a  whisk  made  of  birch,  maple  or 
cedar  branches.  After  the  body  has  recieved  its  proper  share  in  the  steam, 
washing  and  dressing  is  finished  downstairs  or  in  an  adjoining  room.  Many 
elderly  people  use  this  sort  of  bath  for  almost  all  kinds  of  bodily  ailments, 
as  the  only  real  remedy.  There  are  professional  bathhouse  owners  who 
keep  such  places  for  public  use.  Curiously  enough,  the  use  of  the  Finnish 
bathhouse  is  common  even  among  Americans. 

Some  of  these  traditions  are  as  yet  perpetuated  by  the  native  born,  but 
the  change  of  environment  from  purely  Finnish  communities  to  more  heter- 
ogeneous groups  and  the  diminuation  of  those  forces  that  tend  to  keep  up 
old  customs,  will  no  doubt,  gradually  do  away  with  them. 


40  Americanization  Of  The  Finnish  People 


X. 

AMALGAMATION  AND  ASSIMILATION. 

The  Finnish  nationality  forms  the  predominating  majority  of  the  for- 
eign elements  in  the  county.  The  Thirteenth  Census  gives  11,536  foreign 
born  Finns,  the  next  largest  group  being  that  of  the  Canadian-French  with 
4,110.  No  reliable  statistics  are  available  as  to  the  present  composition  of 
the  population  in  the  county.  We  can,  however,  approximate  the  number  of 
Finns  including  foreign  and  native  born  as  one-third  of  the  total  population. 
Due  to  the  great  fecundity  of  the  stock  the  number  of  Finns  is  increasing 
rapidly.  In  1917  the  county  birth  registration  showed  that  out  of  2,529 
births  there  were  879  or  34.7  per  cent  of  the  Finnish  parentage.  Table  IV 
based  on  a  Hancock  school  census  shows  a  steadily  growing  increase  of 
Finnish  children  in  public  schools  in  the  city  of  Hancock. 

TABLE   IV. 

Showing  the  year,  actual  number  of  children,  total  number  of  per  cent  of 
Finnish  children   in   Hancock  public  schools. 

Year 
1911 
1912 
1913 
1914 
1915 
1916 

These  figures  give  an  idea  of  the  ever-increasing  number  of  Finnish 
element  in  the  population.  No  doubt,  these  numbers  will  make  us  ask  as 
to  how  these  children  as  well  -as  those  of  other  nationalities  can  be  digested 
into  one  homogeneous  nation.  The  public  school  is  the  most  effective 
dynamo  in  transfusing  into  these  future  Americans  real  American  spirit. 
So  far  as  the  native  born  is  concerned  there  is  no  difficulty  in  the  process 
of  racial  mixture.  As  to  the  adult  newcomer  the  preceding  chapters  have 
attempted  to  analyze  the  various  forces  and  techniques  in  his  adjustment  to 
new  conditions.  Since  the  process  of  amalgamation  is  biological  it  is 
possible  only  when  the  adult  newcomer,  at  least,  partly  has  modified  his 
ways   so   as    to   think    and    to    act    like    an    American.      Racial    mixture    is    a 


Actual   No. 

Finnish 

Per 

cent  of 

of   children 

children 

Finnis 

h   children 

1,32!) 

458 

34.4 

1,389 

508 

36.5 

1,415 

546 

38.5 

1,580 

631 

39.9 

1,477 

691 

46.7 

1,476 

796 

53.9 

In  Houghton  County,  Michigan 


41 


conscious  blending  of  different  national  elements  into  one  nation.  Some 
statistics  based  on  marriage  records^  indicate  to  what  extent  inter- 
marriage is  taking  place  among  the  Finnish  nationality.  In  1917  there 
were  84  native  born  young  men  of  Finnish  parentage  who  married  native 
born  girls  of  their  own  nationality;  57  young  men  of  foreign  Finnish  parent- 
age married  native  and  foreign  born  girls  of  Finnish  parentage;  18  Amer- 
ican married  native  born  girls  of  Finnish  descent.  4  native  born 
young  men  men  of  Finnish  parentage  married  American  girls;  4  Swedes  mar- 
ried Finnish  girls.  The  record  goes  on  showing  that  the  Finnish  blood  was 
mixing  with  the  American  born  of  the  Croatian,  Italian,  Norwegian,  Aus- 
trian, French,  English,  Canadian  and  German  parentages.  A  Finnish  girl 
m-arried  a  Mexican,  both  of  them  scarcely  being  able  to  express  their 
thoughts  to  one  another  through  the  English  language.  Marriage,  how- 
ever, took  place  and  their  neighbors  say  "they  are  getting  along  fine." 
Racial  boundaries  do  not  seem  to  prevent  amalgamation  of  the  Finn. 

His  willingness  to  demolish  racial  limits,  to  accommodate  those  he 
comes  in  contact  with,  is  furthermore,  manifested  by  the  simplification  of 
his  name  or  direct  adoption  of  American  name  instead  of  the  old  one.  Very 
characteristic  of  such  changes  are  the  following  samples: 


Ala 

became 

Alia 

Lehto 

became 

Grove 

Harju 

became 

Haryu 

Miiki 

became 

Mackay 

Harju 

or 

Hario 

Maki 

or 

Mackey 

Harju 

or 

Harris 

Maki 

or 

Hill 

Harju 

or 

Hary 

Manninen 

became 

Mannigan 

Joki 

became 

Yokie 

Moilanen 

became 

Moil  an 

Jarvi 

became 

Jarvey 

Manty 

became 

Pine 

Jarvi 

or 

Jarvis 

Niemi 

became 

Point 

Jarvi 

or 

Lake 

Oinas 

became 

Oynas 

Kasi 

became 

Casey 

Parkkila 

bceame 

Parker 

Keihanen 

became 

Keyanen 

Pelto 

became 

Field 

Kieri 

became 

Keary 

Piira 

became 

Perry 

Korpi 

became 

Korby 

Takala 

became 

Tackla 

Lahti 

became 

Bay 

Tolonen 

became 

Tolen 

Laine 

became 

Line 

Turunen 

became 

Turren 

Laltlnen 

became 

Laitey 

Vaara 

became 

Warren 

Lassi 

became 

Lassey 

Vainio 

became 

Vaineo 

Assimilation,  on  the  contrary,  is  psychic  or  spiritual  process  depending 
very  largely  on  personal  training  as  well  as  social  conditions.  Through 
social  inheritance  the  newcomer  most  readily  acquires  "likemindedness"  or 
national  self-consciousness  necessary  for  the  homogeneous  nation.  In  the 
case  of  the  Finn  the  environmental  factors  and  similarity  of  cultural  institu- 
tions of  the  old  country  with  those  of  America  facilitate  his  assimilation. 
The  fusion  of  his  mental  traits  and  cultural  ideals  seems  to  be  just  as  rapid 
as  his  amalgamation.     His  dilatory  ways  of  going  at  the  thing  is  changing 


Record    of   Marriages,    Houghton   County,    1917. 


42 


Americanization  Of  The  Finnish  People 


to  promptness  and  punctuality;  his  extreme  individualism  to  co-operation; 
his  obstinacy  to  pliability;  his  meditation  to  vivid  expression;  his  reticence 
to  talkativeness.  The  bigness  of  American  life  in  its  industrial,  economic 
and  cultural  aspects  hasten  the  blending  of  the  two  civilizations.  Such  re- 
marks as  "to  go  to  Finland  would  not  come  in'o  consideration,"  or  "one  must 
live  according  to  the  customs  of  the  coin'ry  or  else  he  mus^  go  back  to  the 
old  country,"  are  expressive  of  the  fact  that  his  sympathies  lie  with  the  land 
of  his  adoption.  In  general  racial  mixture  and  fusion  of  cultural  ideals  are 
so  rapid  among  the  Finns  that  if  immigration  would  cease  for  one  genera- 
tion there  would  hardly  be  any  trace  left  of  the  Finnish  nationality. 


^  an* 


Kig.    10 — A    group    of   bright-eyed    youngsters    on    way    to    .school 
Otter     L.ake,     Michifjan. 


Jn  Houghton  County,  Michigan  43 


XL 

CONCLUSION. 

The  preceding  study  may  be  sumnrarized  in  brief  as  follows:  The 
Finn  migrated  here  on  account  of  economic  and  political  causes.  Upon  his 
arrival  to  America  in  the  process  of  adaption  there  was  first  the  stage  of 
expectation  with  its  positive  and  negative  results,  then  dissolution  of  his 
old  ideals,  standards  and  customs  through  contact  with  American  life  and 
finally,  gradual  adjustment  to  new  conditions.  Mining  was  his  first  occu- 
pation, but  it  was  and  still  is  an  intermediary  step  to  agriculture  which  will 
be  his  future  occupation.  Through  economic  activities  especially  in  business 
life  he  is  adapting  himself  quicker  to  the  new  environment  than  through 
nationalistic,  religious  or  cultural  institutions  which  on  one  hand  are 
means  of  spiritual  self-expression,  and  which  to  a  considerable  degree  be- 
came Americanizing  forces  on  the  other  hand.  Until  recent  years  politics 
has  been  a  side  issue  to  him  due  to  the  language  difficulty  and  previous  poli- 
tical situation  in  the  old  country,  but  his  interest  in  it  is  growing  rapidly.  Some 
old  traditions  and  customs  are  still  maintained,  some  of  them  are  even  being 
accepted  by  other  nationalities  of  American  birth,  but  these  traditions  are 
gradually  vanishing.  His  amalgamation  and  assimilation  is  so  swift  that 
he  will  not  present  any  conflicting  racial  problem  in  the  future. 


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